Training Apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present invention is based in part on apparatus for athletic training and specifically apparatus and methods for training and improving eye-hand coordination. Additionally, the present invention provides apparatus and methods for aiding athletic training and physical therapy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of recreation and athletic training and more specifically to the training and improvement of eye-hand coordination, reaction time and accuracy.

2. Background Information

The importance of training in sports has been long recognized and has resulted in numerous training aids to assist in that training. These training aids have focused on the physical characteristics needed for a sport. Many effective training aids have been developed and are available in the marketplace.

A need still exists for an improved training or rehabilitation aid that focuses on improving eye hand coordination, reaction time and accuracy.

The instant invention provides an apparatus to improve eye hand coordination, reaction time and accuracy as part of athletic training and rehabilitation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is based in part on apparatus for athletic training and specifically apparatus and methods for training and improving eye-hand coordination, reaction time and accuracy. Additionally, the present invention provides apparatus and methods for aiding athletic training and physical therapy. Further, the present application may also be used for recreation, such as a toy.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present invention provides an apparatus comprises a circular piece (FIG. 1 A), an elastic band (FIG. 1 B) and a ball (FIG. 1 C). In one aspect the circular piece is from about 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5 or 9 inches in diameter. Preferably, the circular piece is from about 5-8 inches in diameter. Preferably, the circular piece is from about 6-8 inches in diameter. Even more preferably the circular piece is from about 7-8 inches in diameter.

In another aspect, the elastic band is about 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44 or 45 inches in length. Preferably the elastic band is from about 24-40 inches in length. More preferably, the elastic band is from about 28-36 inches in length.

In a further embodiment, the ball is 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2.0, 2.25, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 or 5.0 inches in diameter. Preferably the ball is 1.25 to 3.0 inches in diameter. More preferably, the ball is 1.5 to 2.75 inches in diameter.

In another aspect of the invention, the circular piece is attached to the ball by the elastic band. As shown in FIG. 1, the circular piece, A, is attached to the ball, C, by the elastic band, B.

Another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for improving the eye-hand coordination in a subject in need thereof using an apparatus. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a circular piece, an elastic band and a ball. In one aspect, the circular piece is the size of the subject's head. In another aspect the circular piece will go around the head of the subject and fit snugly. In a further aspect the elastic band will be the same length as the subject's arm from the shoulder to the end of the fist. In a further aspect, the subject will attempt to strike the ball while the circular piece is around the subject's head. In one aspect, after the subject strikes the ball, the elastic band will stretch and then rebound bringing the ball back toward the subject for the subject to strike again. In yet another aspect the subject's eye hand coordination will improve as shown by the increasing times he subject can strike the ball.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for improving the reaction time and accuracy in a subject in need thereof using an apparatus. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a circular piece, an elastic band and a ball. In one aspect, the circular piece is the size of the subject's head. In another aspect the circular piece will go around the head of the subject and fit snugly. In a further aspect the elastic band will be the same length as the subject's arm from the shoulder to the end of the fist. In a further aspect, the subject will attempt to strike the ball while the circular piece is around the subject's head. In one aspect, after the subject strikes the ball, the elastic band will stretch and then rebound bringing the ball back toward the subject for the subject to strike again. In yet another aspect the subject's reaction time and accuracy will improve as shown by the increasing times he subject can strike the ball and the increasing speed by which the subject can strike the ball.

In a further aspect the present invention provides a method for improving accuracy. Accuracy is improved by changing the length of the elastic band of the apparatus. As the length of the elastic band is shortened a subject must be more accurate to strike the ball.

In yet a further aspect, the present invention provides a method for improving reaction time. Reaction time I improved by changing the weight of the ball of the apparatus. As the weight of the ball increases the ball will rebound back toward the subject at an increased rate of the speed and the subject will have to improve reaction time to continually strike the ball.

In a further aspect the apparatus is for recreational use. In an additional aspect, the apparatus is a toy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts the training apparatus. A is the circular piece. B is the elastic band. C is the ball.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is based in part on apparatus for athletic training and specifically apparatus and methods for training and improving eye-hand coordination, reaction time and accuracy. Additionally, the present invention provides apparatus and methods for aiding athletic training and physical therapy. Further, the present application may also be used for recreation, such as a toy.

Accordingly the present invention provides an apparatus comprises a circular piece, an elastic band and a ball. In one aspect the circular piece, FIG. 1 A, is from about 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5 or 9 inches in diameter. Preferably, the circular piece is from about 5-8 inches in diameter. Preferably, the circular piece is from about 6-8 inches in diameter. Even more preferably the circular piece is from about 7-8 inches in diameter. In yet another aspect, the circular piece can be composed of many different materials. These materials include, but are not limited to, cloth, rubber, leather, plastic, spandex, nylon, cotton, cotton elastic, cellulose sponge, terry cloth, absorbent cellulose or lycra. In a preferred aspect, the circular piece is adjustable.

In a further aspect the circular piece may a strip that would go over the head of the subject with the strip hold the circular piece securely in place. In an additional aspect the circular piece may also comprise a covering such that a subject would place the circular piece on their head and the cloth would keep the circular piece secure. In one aspect the circular piece is a headband, hat or beanie. The strip or covering for the circular piece can be made of many different materials including, but not limited to, cloth, rubber, leather, plastic, spandex, nylon, cotton, cotton elastic, cellulose sponge, terry cloth, absorbent cellulose or lycra.

In another aspect, the elastic band, FIG. 1 B, is about 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44 or 45 inches in length. Preferably the elastic band is from about 24-40 inches in length. More preferably, the elastic band is from about 28-36 inches in length. Preferably the elastic band is from about 24-40 inches in length. More preferably, the elastic band is from about 28-36 inches in length. In a preferred aspect, the elastic band is made from the same material as a bungee cord. In a preferred aspect the length of the elastic cord is adjustable.

In a further embodiment, the ball, FIG. 1 C, is 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2.0, 2.25, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 and 5.0 inches in diameter. Preferably the ball is 1.25 to 3.0 inches in diameter. More preferably, the ball is 1.5 to 2.75 inches in diameter. In a further aspect, the ball may be made of many different materials. These materials include, but are not limited to, rubber, cloth, felt, plastic cotton, woven cloth, nylon, sponge rubber or cork. In a preferred aspect the ball is made from the same material and is the same size as a tennis ball. In another aspect the ball has a consistency of being soft, spongy, or hard. In one aspect the ball further comprises a light. In a preferred aspect, the light comes on when the ball is struck.

In another aspect of the invention, the circular piece is attached to the ball by the elastic band. As shown in FIG. 1, the circular piece, A, is attached to the ball, C, by the elastic band, B.

In a further aspect the apparatus may comprise additional elements. These elements include, but are not limited to, a light in the ball that is either always shining or lights up as the ball is struck; a punch counter or other embellishments.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for improving the eye-hand coordination in a subject in need thereof using an apparatus. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a circular piece, an elastic band and a ball. In one aspect, the circular piece is the size of the subject's head. In another aspect the circular piece will go around the head of the subject and fit snugly. In a further aspect the elastic band will be the same length as the subject's arm from the shoulder to the end of the fist. In a further aspect, the subject will attempt to strike the ball while the circular piece is around the subject's head. In one aspect, after the subject strikes the ball, the elastic band will stretch and then rebound bringing the ball back toward the subject for the subject to strike again. In yet another aspect the subject's eye hand coordination will improve as shown by the increasing times he subject can strike the ball. In a further aspect, the size of the ball or tension on the elastic band can be adjusted to make the method easier or harder. For example, making the ball larger will allow for easier striking while making the ball smaller will make striking more difficult. In a further example, decreasing the tension will make the method easier and increasing the tension will make it harder.

A subject may need improvement in eye hand coordination for many reasons. Some of these include, but are not limited to, recovery from an injury, desire to improve athletic skill and ability.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for improving the reaction time and accuracy in a subject in need thereof using an apparatus. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a circular piece, an elastic band and a ball. In one aspect, the circular piece is the size of the subject's head. In another aspect the circular piece will go around the head of the subject and fit snugly. In a further aspect the elastic band will be the same length as the subject's arm from the shoulder to the end of the fist. In a further aspect, the subject will attempt to strike the ball while the circular piece is around the subject's head. In one aspect, after the subject strikes the ball, the elastic band will stretch and then rebound bringing the ball back toward the subject for the subject to strike again. In yet another aspect the subject's reaction time and accuracy will improve as shown by the increasing times he subject can strike the ball and the increasing speed by which the subject can strike the ball. For example, making the ball larger will allow for easier striking while making the ball smaller will make striking more difficult. In a further example, decreasing the tension will make the method easier and increasing the tension will make it harder.

A subject may be in need of improving reaction time and accuracy for many reasons. Some of these include, but are not limited to, recovery from an injury, desire to improve athletic skill and ability.

In a further aspect the present invention provides a method for improving accuracy. Accuracy is improved by changing the length of the elastic band of the apparatus. As the length of the elastic band is shortened a subject must be more accurate to strike the ball.

In yet a further aspect, the present invention provides a method for improving reaction time. Reaction time I improved by changing the weight of the ball of the apparatus. As the weight of the ball increases the ball will rebound back toward the subject at an increased rate of the speed and the subject will have to improve reaction time to continually strike the ball.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides an apparatus that may be used for recreation, such as a toy. The toy is comprised of a circular piece, an elastic band and a ball. In one aspect the circular piece is connected to the ball by the elastic band. The circular piece may be adjustable. Preferably the circular piece fits around the head of a subject. In another aspect, the elastic band is adjustable. Preferably the elastic band is the length of a subjects arm.

The following examples are provided to further illustrate the advantages and features of the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. While they are typical of those that might be used, other procedures, methodologies, or techniques known to those skilled in the art may alternatively be used.

EXAMPLES Example 1

Place the circular piece around the head of a subject at the forehead area. The subject's legs are parallel with each other or split stance. The subject gently tosses the ball forward, downward, outward or upward. When the ball comes back the subject slowly strikes the ball with either hand, pushing the ball outward to the length of the elastic band where upon the ball will return back toward the subject. The subject then continues to strike the ball as it returns either alternating hands or using the same hand for each strike. The subject starts striking the ball with moderate power. Improvement in eye hand coordination will be evidenced by the increasing number of continuous strikes to the ball a subject can make. Improvement in reaction time and accuracy is evidenced by the increase in the speed by which a subject can strike the ball. As a subject's eye hand coordination, reaction time and accuracy improve the difficulty can be increased by: bringing the hands back to the face each time the ball is struck, by the subject moving his feet, by changing the length of the elastic band and by changing the size of the ball.

Although the invention has been described with reference to the above example, it will be understood that modifications and variations are encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is limited only by the following claims. 

1. An apparatus comprising: a) a circular piece; b) an elastic band and c) a ball.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the circular piece is about 4 inches to 9 inches in diameter.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the circular piece is adjustable.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elastic band is from about 20 inches to 45 inches in length.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elastic band is adjustable.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ball is from about 0.75 inches to 5 inches in diameter.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the circular piece is connected to the ball with the elastic band.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the circular piece comprises a headband, hat or beanie.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a punch counter
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising lights.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is a toy.
 12. A method of improving hand and eye coordination of a subject in need thereof using an apparatus comprising: a) a circular piece; b) an elastic band; and c) a ball.
 13. A method of athletic training of a subject in need thereof using an apparatus comprising: a) a circular piece; b) an elastic band; and c) a ball.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the circular piece is connected to the ball with the elastic band.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the elastic band is the same length as the subject's arm. 